Classic Inka Trail - SGP

Duration: 4 days

This is the classic four-day trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, justly famous for being one of the most amazing walks in the world with its soaring views and Inca ruins dotting the trail. Regular or private services. It is one of the best tours in Cuzco.

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This is the classic four-day trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail, justly famous for being one of the most amazing walks in the world with its soaring views and the Inca ruins dotting the trail, can now be done on either a regular or private basis. Either way, you end up arriving to a stunning view of Machu Picchu. This magnificent hike is for travelers who are in condition to hike up to ten hours, with breaks, in a single day. On the last morning we arrive at Machu Picchu with plenty of time to explore the ruins before returning to Cusco by train.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Wayllabamba (B-L-D)

Early in the morning our guide picks you up at your hotel in Cusco for the 2 hour ride by bus to the small Andean town of Chilca and on to the trailhead at Piscacucho at km 82.

Here you will meet the team that will join you during the trek, such as the porters, camp assistants and cooks. You will begin the walk. The first day is quite easy and during the first kilometers, you will have a beautiful view of the snow peaked Veronica Mountain, walking alongside the Vilcanota River until you arrive at the Archaeological Complex of Patallacta, where you will have lunch and gain energy to reach Wayllabamba (the name in Quechua means 'grassy plain.’) Most tour groups spend the first night here although there are prettier campsites a little further on.

Day 2: Pacaymayu (B-L-D)

On this day we climb up from Wayllabamba for about 3 hours through steepening woods and increasingly spectacular terrain, bringing you to the treeline and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680m).

It is another 1 hours climb to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Huarmihuanusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass’) at 4,200m. During this part of the trail hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top, hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail.

The decent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd night's campsite at Pacamayo (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here.

Day 3: Winaywayna(B-L-D)

Today you will continue to climbing a series of Inca steps, it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay (12,172ft). These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo Valley below. Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m).

• At last you'll feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so be careful. This section of the trail, up until the 3rd pass, is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone embankments and skirts deep precipices.

After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you'll arrive at Sayacmarca by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means 'Inaccessible Town' and describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins. You have to backtrack a little to rejoin the trail as it passes Conchamarca, a small Inca dwelling situated in the shadows of Sayacmarca, which was probably a tambo, or resting place, for weary travelers on their way to Machu Picchu.

From then on the path descends into magnificent cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way. The trail then climbs up to the 3rd pass (3,700m). The view from the pass offers excellent views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (6,271m) and Veronica (5,750m). A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means 'Town in the Clouds'. Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths' probably used for the ritual worship of water. Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase leading from the west side of the ruins (the far end from the baths) you descend a thousand-or-so steps. Be careful with your knees, which will be feeling the strain by the end of the day. After about an hour of walking through cloud forest you may just be able to see the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostal at Winay Wayna, although it probably won't be another two hours until you arrive. A short trail leaves from the southern end of the hostal to the ruins of Winay Wayna. The name in Quechua means 'forever young' and is named after a variety of pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise of magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was probably a religious center associated with the worship of water. Ritual cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail to Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Machu Picchu (B-L)

After an early breakfast, in the anticipation of continuing on the trail your hearts may begin to pound from the excitement that awaits your every steps and breath as you approach the fabled citadel. The trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate). Suddenly the whole of Machu Picchu is spread out before you in all its glory - a fantastic sight for all. Our guide will explain the history and the myths that surround this archaeological wonder (7'800ft.) Afterward transfer by bus to return to Aguas Calientes for lunch, and after that you will board the train for your return to Cusco. After your arrival to the Cusco train station, our staff will meet and transfer you to your hotel.

Important Note:

At the time we confirm your participation on this trek, we register your complete name and your passport number (as these appear on your trip application) with park authorities on the official trek permit.

The trek permit is a legal document with specific restrictions limiting changes.

You must bring this same passport with you on the trek. If for whatever reason you cannot bring the passport that is registered on the permit at the time of your original booking, or if you change your passport and cannot bring the original document, or if the information you originally supplied differs from what actually appears on your passport, park authorities may refuse access to the Inca Trail.